The first military air drops were initiated by a critical ground situation at Kut-el-Amara in Mesopotamia (now Iraq). Twenty supply sorties were flown on 14 April 1916 dropping 3500lbs of food to the beleaguered troops. Between the wars air transport was to be developed as a main method of supply and support to the major nation's empires and colonies. During World War II aircraft were not only used as a supply method but as a strike weapon, carrying paratroops and their equipment . These aircraft also towed another strike transport aircraft - the glider. Text by Richard Townshend Bickers.